Slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly for a vehicle and control system for the same

ABSTRACT

A cylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly comprises a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly, a cylinder mount, a hydraulic cylinder, a first longitudinal support, and a second longitudinal support. The slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly has a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position. The cylinder mount is disposed adjacent at least two sides of a first frame cross member. The hydraulic cylinder is disposed between the cylinder mount and the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly, and is attached to the cylinder mount. The first longitudinal support is disposed between the cylinder mount and a second frame cross member. The second longitudinal support is disposed between the cylinder mount and the second frame cross member. The cylinder mount is adapted to move laterally along the first frame cross member.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/244,472 filed on Sep. 22, 2009, which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a slidably adjustable fifth wheelhitch assembly for a vehicle and a control system for the same. Moreparticularly, the disclosure relates to a fifth wheel assembly for avehicle that automatically adjusts the distance between a trailer andthe vehicle under certain appropriate operating conditions.

BACKGROUND

Over the last several years vehicle manufacturers and vehicle operatorshave worked to improve fuel efficiency of vehicles, so that vehicles maybe less expensive to operate and meet more stringent fuel economyregulations. In some heavy-duty vehicles, such as semi trucks, ortractor-trailers, a vehicle is used to pull a trailer that containscargo, and the location where the trailer connects to the vehicle isoften referred to as a fifth wheel. One approach to improving fueleconomy involves decreasing the distance between the vehicle and thetrailer during certain operating conditions by moving the fifth wheel.Positioning the trailer in closer proximity to the vehicle improvesaerodynamics of the vehicle and trailer combination, thus increasingfuel economy of the vehicle. However, in other operating conditions, itmay be a disadvantage to position the trailer close to the vehicle, suchas during a turn, during rapid deceleration, during low speedoperations, or if the trailer is loaded in a manner that positioning thetrailer closer to the vehicle would violate axle weight restrictions setby government regulations.

Therefore, a need exists for a system and method that is capable ofautomatically positioning a trailer relative to a vehicle by moving afifth wheel assembly based upon operating conditions of the vehicle andtrailer.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a cylinder mount assembly for a slidablyadjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly comprises a slidably adjustablefifth wheel hitch assembly, a cylinder mount, a hydraulic cylinder, afirst longitudinal support, and a second longitudinal support. Theslidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly has a first longitudinalposition and a second longitudinal position. The cylinder mount isdisposed adjacent at least two sides of a first frame cross member. Thehydraulic cylinder is disposed between the cylinder mount and theslidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly, and is attached to thecylinder mount. The first longitudinal support is disposed between thecylinder mount and a second frame cross member. The second longitudinalsupport is disposed between the cylinder mount and the second framecross member. The cylinder mount is adapted to move laterally along thefirst frame cross member.

According to another embodiment, a cylinder mount assembly for slidablyadjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly comprises a first frame crossmember, as cylinder mount, a second frame cross member, a firstlongitudinal support, and a second longitudinal support. The first framecross member is disposed between a first frame rail and a second framerail. The cylinder mount is disposed about a portion of the first framecross member. The cylinder mount is laterally moveable along the firstframe cross member. The second frame cross member is disposed betweenthe first frame rail and the second frame rail. The second frame railcross member is disposed at a longitudinally rearward position relativeto the first frame cross member. The first longitudinal support isdisposed between the cylinder mount and the second frame cross member.The second longitudinal support is disposed between the cylinder mountand the second frame cross member. The first longitudinal support andthe second longitudinal support fixedly position the cylinder mount in alongitudinal direction relative to the first frame cross member.

According to a further embodiment, a cylinder mount assembly forslidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly comprises a cylindermount, a first longitudinal support, and a second longitudinal support.The cylinder mount is disposed about a portion of a first frame crossmember. The cylinder mount is disposed generally at a lateral centerposition of the first frame cross member. The cylinder mount islaterally moveable along the first frame cross member. The firstlongitudinal support is disposed between the cylinder mount and a secondframe cross member. The first longitudinal support is connected to thesecond frame cross member near a first lateral end of the second framecross member. The second longitudinal support is disposed between thecylinder mount and the second frame cross member. The secondlongitudinal support is connected to the second frame cross member neara second lateral end of the second frame cross member. The firstlongitudinal support and the second longitudinal support fixedlyposition the cylinder mount in a longitudinal direction relative to thefirst frame cross member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a slidably adjustablefifth wheel hitch assembly in a first position with an attached trailer;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a movable fifth wheelassembly of FIG. 1 in a second position with an attached trailer;

FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the fifth wheel assembly ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is side view of a latch mechanism of an adjustable fifth wheelassembly according to one embodiment; and

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are detailed views of an over-center pivot for a latchmechanism;

FIG. 6 is side view of a latch pair assembly in a latched positionaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a latch pair assembly in an unlatched positionaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a latch pair assembly in an unlatched positionaccording to another embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a latch mechanism according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cylinder mount assembly for aslidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a method moving a slidably adjustablefifth wheel hitch assembly;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a first sub-method of the method ofFIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a second sub-method of the method ofFIG. 11; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an electrical and control system of avehicle having a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assemblyaccording to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a vehicle and trailer combination 10 having a vehicle 12and a trailer 14. The vehicle has a slidably adjustable fifth wheelhitch assembly 16. As shown in FIG. 1, the slidably adjustable fifthwheel hitch assembly 16 is disposed in a first position. In the firstposition, the trailer 14 is separated from the vehicle 12 a distance A.The distance A is sufficient to allow the vehicle 12 to turn withoutcontacting the trailer 14.

FIG. 2 shows the vehicle and trailer combination 10 of FIG. 1, with theslidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 disposed in a secondposition. In the second position, the trailer 14 is separated from thevehicle 12 by a distance B. The distance B is less than the distance Aof FIG. 1. In the second position with the trailer 14 closer to thevehicle 12, the aerodynamics of the vehicle and trailer combination 10is improved. The improved aerodynamics of the vehicle and trailercombination 10 reduce the fuel consumption of the vehicle and trailercombination 10. The distance B between the vehicle 12 and the trailer 14limit the allowable movement between the vehicle 12 and the trailer 14,such that some turns require that the trailer 14 be moved away from thevehicle 12 to prevent contact between the vehicle 12 and the trailer 14.

FIG. 3 depicts a detailed perspective view of the slidably adjustablefifth wheel hitch assembly 16. The slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitchassembly 16 has a fifth wheel hitch member 18 adapted to receive a pinfrom the trailer 14 in order to attach the trailer 14 to the vehicle 12.The fifth wheel hitch member 18 has a plurality of latch mechanismassemblies 20 a-20 d that releasably attach the fifth wheel hitch member18 to a first rack 22 a and a second rack 22 b. As shown in FIG. 3, afirst latch mechanism assembly 20 a and a second latch mechanismassembly 20 b releasably attach the fifth wheel hitch member 18 to thefirst rack 22 a, while a third latch mechanism assembly 20 c and fourthlatch mechanism assembly 20 d releasably attach the fifth wheel hitchmember 18 to the second rack 22 b.

A fifth wheel actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder 24, is provided toadjust the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 in adirection generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle 12.It is additionally contemplated that the fifth wheel actuator may be apneumatic actuator, an electric motor, an electromagnetic device, achain driven actuator, a pulley system, or other known actuator types,not just a hydraulic cylinder 24. The hydraulic cylinder 24 moves theslidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 when at least some ofthe plurality of latch mechanisms 20 a-20 d are released from the firstand second racks 22 a, 22 b.

The hydraulic cylinder 24 attaches via a cylinder mount assembly 28 to afirst frame cross member 30 that connects to a first frame rail 34 a anda second frame rail 34 b, as is additionally shown in FIG. 10. Thecylinder mount assembly 28 is adapted to move laterally along the firstframe cross member 30, such that additional torsional stress is notdelivered to a first frame rail 34 a and a second frame rail 34 b of thevehicle 12 by the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16.

The cylinder mount assembly 28 is constrained from movement in alongitudinal direction relative to the first frame cross member 30 by afirst longitudinal support 26 a and a second longitudinal support 26 b.The first longitudinal support 26 a and the second longitudinal support26 b connect the cylinder mount assembly 28 to a second frame crossmember 32. The first frame cross member 30 connects to the first framerail 34 a and the second frame rail 34 b. The second frame cross member32 additionally connects to the first frame rail 34 a and the secondframe rail 34 b. The first longitudinal support 26 a and the secondlongitudinal support 26 b distribute a longitudinal load placed on thecylinder mount assembly 28 to the second frame cross member 32. Thefirst longitudinal support 26 a connects to the second frame crossmember 32 near the first frame rail 34 a. The second longitudinalsupport 26 b connects to the second frame cross member 32 near thesecond frame rail 34 b. Therefore, the first and second longitudinalsupports 26 a, 26 b distribute longitudinal loads from the hydrauliccylinder 24 to frame rails 34 a, 34 b of the vehicle 12, avoiding aconcentration of stress along the first frame cross member 30.

Turning now to FIG. 4, the first latch mechanism assembly 20 a is shownin greater detail. The second, third and fourth latch mechanismassemblies 20 b-20 d function similarly to the first latch mechanism 20a. While the first latch mechanism assembly 20 a is described in usewith the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16, it isadditionally contemplated that the first latch mechanism assembly 20 amay be utilized with other systems for moving equipment along an axis.

The first latch mechanism assembly 20 a has a latch body 42 and isremovably connected to the first rack 22 a by a latching tooth portion43 that interacts with a plurality of rack teeth 48. A locking space 50is formed between each of the rack teeth 48, such that the latchingtooth portion 43 is disposed within the locking space 50 when the latchmechanism 20 a is engaged. The latching tooth portion 43 of the latchbody 42 is disposed at a first end of the latch body 42.

The latch body 42 additionally has a crank opening 45 formed within thelatch body 42. The crank opening 45 is disposed at a second end of thelatch body 42. An over-center pivot 36 is disposed within the crankopening 45 of the of latch body 42. The latch body 42 is adapted topivot about the over-center pivot 36. The over-center pivot 36 comprisesa crank portion 36 a and a ground portion 36 b. The crank portion 36 apivots about the ground portion 36 b to allow the latch body 42 to pivotabout the over-center pivot 36.

As shown in FIG. 5 a and FIG. 5 b, the crank portion 36 a rotates in thedirection of arrow A about the ground portion 36 b in order to lock theover-center pivot 36 and prevent the latch body 42 from pivoting aboutthe over-center pivot 36. However, when the crank portion 36 a haspivoted about the ground portion 36 b as shown in FIG. 5 b, the latchbody 42 may rotate about the over-center pivot 36.

Turning to FIG. 4 and FIGS. 6-8, a roller actuator assembly 44 isdisposed the first end of the latch body 42. The roller actuatorassembly 44 has a wheel 47. The wheel 47 is sized to be partiallydisposed within the locking space 50. The roller actuator assembly 44 ishydraulically operated to position the roller actuator assembly 44between an extended position, as shown in FIG. 7, and a retractedposition, as shown in FIG. 6. The movement of the roller actuatorassembly 44 to the extended position causes the crank portion 36 a torotate about the ground portion 36 b of the over-center pivot 36 toallow the latch body 42 to rotate about the over-center pivot 36. Oncethe roller actuator assembly 44 is in the extended position, thelatching tooth portion 43 of the latch mechanism 20 a-20 d is removedfrom the locking space 50, and the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitchassembly 16 may be moved longitudinally.

As the roller actuator assembly 44 is extended, the latching toothportion 43 moves up and out of the locking space 50 as the latch body 42pivots about the over-center pivot 36. The roller actuator assembly 44is disposed in the locking space 50 adjacent the locking space 50containing latching tooth portion 43. The latching tooth portion 43 maycontact one of the rack teeth 48 as the latching tooth portion 43 movesout of the locking space 50. The latching tooth portion 43 and theroller actuator assembly 44 are designed to prevent contact between atip of the latching tooth portion 43 and tips of the rack teeth 48 tolimit stress between the latching tooth portion 43 and the rack teeth48. Once the roller actuator assembly 44 has moved to an adjacentlocking space 50, the roller actuator assembly 44 may retract, and thelatching tooth portion 43 reengages with an adjacent locking space 50.

As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the third latch mechanism assembly 20 c and thefourth latch mechanism assembly 20 d are shown forming a latch pairassembly 120. As shown in FIG. 6, the roller actuator assembly 44 d ofthe fourth latch mechanism assembly 20 d and the roller actuatorassembly 44 c of the third latch mechanism assembly 20 c are in theretracted position.

As shown in FIG. 7, the roller actuator assembly 44 d of the fourthlatch mechanism assembly 20 d and the roller actuator assembly 44 c ofthe third latch mechanism assembly 20 c are in the extended position.Once the roller actuator 44 d of the fourth latch mechanism assembly 20d is in the extended position, the latch pair assembly 120 may be movedin the direction of arrow B.

As shown in FIG. 8, the roller actuator assembly 44 d of the fourthlatch mechanism assembly 20 d is in the extended position, while theroller actuator assembly 44 c of the third latch mechanism assembly 20 cis in the retracted position. Similarly, once the roller actuator 44 dof the fourth latch mechanism assembly 20 d is in the extended position,the latch pair assembly 120 may be moved in the direction of arrow B.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, only the roller actuator assembly 44 d of thefourth latch mechanism assembly 20 d is required to be placed into theextended position to allow the latch pair assembly 120 to move in thedirection of arrow B. Conversely, only the roller actuator assembly 44 cof the third latch mechanism assembly 20 c is required to be placed intothe extended position to allow the latch pair assembly 120 to move in anopposite direction of arrow B. This is because the shape of the rackteeth 48 form a generally concave surface, such that latching toothportion 43 of the latch mechanism assemblies 20 a-20 d may cam out ofthe locking space 50 in one longitudinal direction, but will remainwithin the locking space in the other longitudinal direction. Therefore,the use of a latch pair assembly 120 prevents movement of the slidablyadjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 in a longitudinal directionunless at least one of the roller actuator assemblies 44 c, 44 d is inthe extended position.

Turning back to FIG. 4, the first latch mechanism assembly 20 aadditionally comprises a latch valve assembly that comprises a hydraulicvalve 37 a disposed at the second end of the latch body 42 that isconnected to a cam follower 40 that follows a cam surface 38. Thehydraulic valve 37 a has an open position and a closed position. Thehydraulic valve 37 a controls flow of hydraulic fluid to the rolleractuator assembly 44. As the cam follower 40 moves along the cam surface38, the hydraulic valve 37 a closes, cutting off the flow of hydraulicfluid to the roller actuator assembly 44. As the roller actuatorassembly 44 a reaches the next locking space 50, the latching toothportion 43 of the latch body 42 is returned to an adjacent locking space50 to prevent additional movement of the slidably adjustable fifth wheelhitch assembly 16, unless the roller actuator assembly 44 isreactivated. In this way, the hydraulic valve 37 a acts as a safetymechanism to secure the latching tooth portion 43 into a locking space50 should a hydraulic failure occur, as a biasing member 46 is adaptedto rotate the latch body 42 about the over-center pivot 36 so that thelatching tooth portion 43 enters the locking space 50. As shown in FIG.9, a hydraulic passageway 144 connects the hydraulic valve 37 a with theroller actuator assembly 44, such that the closing of the hydraulicvalve 37 a deactivates the roller actuator assembly 44.

A biasing member 46 is provided to bias the latch mechanism assembly 20a towards a latched position. As shown, the biasing member 46 is aspring, however, it is contemplated that an elastomeric biasing membermay be utilized. Should a hydraulic failure occur with the roller 44extended, the biasing member 46 will bias the latching tooth portion 43of the latch mechanism assembly 20 a towards an engaged position, suchthat the latching tooth portion 43 will reenter a locking space 50,securing the latch mechanism 20 a.

FIG. 14 shows an electrical and control system 300 for a vehicle havinga slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 according to oneembodiment. The electrical and control system comprises a controller 302that is in communication with a plurality of sensors to monitor andcontrol operation of the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly16. The controller 302 is additionally in communication with a display304 and a power control unit 306 that supplies and regulates power tothe electrical and control system 300. A steering sensor 308 is providedto monitor a steering rate of the vehicle. A wheel angle sensor 310 isprovided to monitor the steering angle of the vehicle.

A first rear cab sensor 312 and a second rear cab sensor 314 areadditionally provided. The first rear cab sensor 312 and the second rearcab sensor 314 determine a distance between a vehicle and a trailer,such as the distance between the rear of a vehicle cab and a frontsurface of the trailer. The controller 302 may additionally utilize adifference in the distance between the vehicle and the trailer indicatedby the first rear cab sensor 312 and the second rear cab sensor 314 todetermine an articulation angle of the trailer relative to the truck aswell as a yaw rate of the trailer.

A plurality of sensors are provided near the slidably adjustable fifthwheel hitch assembly 16 including a first slidably adjustable fifthwheel hitch assembly position and status sensor 316 and a secondslidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly position and statussensor 318. The first fifth wheel hitch assembly position and statussensor 316 monitors whether a first pair of latch mechanisms are in alatched or released state and monitors the longitudinal position of thefifth wheel hitch assembly 16. Similarly, the second fifth wheel hitchassembly position and status sensor 318 monitors whether a second pairof latch mechanisms are in a latched or released state and monitors thelongitudinal position of the fifth wheel hitch assembly. The controller302 thus may control an actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, to movethe slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16.

A first axle load sensor 324 and a second axle load sensor 326 areadditionally provided. The first axle load sensor 324 monitors a load ona first rear axle of the vehicle, while the second axle load sensor 326monitors a load on a second rear axle of the vehicle. The controller 302monitors the load on the first rear axle and the second rear axle toensure that the vehicle does not exceed an axle weight limit in placewhere the vehicle is operating.

A first rear vehicle sensor 320 and a second rear vehicle sensor 322 areadditionally provided. The first rear vehicle sensor 320 and the secondrear vehicle sensor 322 additionally determine a distance between thevehicle and the trailer, such as the distance between the rear of thevehicle and an undercarriage of the trailer. The controller 302 mayadditionally utilize a difference in the distance between the vehicleand the trailer indicated by the first rear vehicle sensor 320 and thesecond rear vehicle sensor 322 to determine an articulation angle of thetrailer relative to the truck as well as a yaw rate of the trailer. Thearticulation angle and yaw rate based upon the rear vehicle sensors 320,322 may be compared by the controller 302 to the articulation angle andthe yaw rate based upon the rear cab sensors 312, 314 to serve as aadditionally parameter the controller utilizes to control the actuatorto move the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16.

While sensors determining the distance between the vehicle and thetrailer have been described as being disposed on the vehicle, it isadditionally contemplated that sensors may be located on the trailer todetermine the distance between the vehicle and the trailer and thearticulation angle and yaw rates of the trailer. It is furthercontemplated that sensors may be found on both the vehicle and thetrailer to determine the distance between the vehicle and the trailerand the articulation angle and yaw rates of the trailer.

Turning now to FIG. 11, a method 200 of controlling a slidablyadjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 is depicted. As shown at block202, the method determines if all sensors are functioning. A decisionblock 204 directs the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16to a push back position block 206, i.e., away from a vehicle front, ifnot all of the sensors are functioning. However, if all sensors arefunctioning, the method progresses to block 208 to determine if thevehicle speed is more than a first predetermined speed and has been fora first preset time period, such as 45 miles per hour for a 5 minutetime period. A decision block 210 directs the slidably adjustable fifthwheel hitch assembly to a pull forward position block 212, i.e., towardsa vehicle front, if the vehicle is traveling at a speed above the firstpredetermined speed for the first preset time period. If the vehiclespeed does not satisfy the first predetermined conditions, the decisionblock 210 moves the method to block 214, where it is determined if thevehicle speed is below a second predetermined speed for a second presettime period, or if the brakes are being applied. A decision block 216determines if the conditions of the second predetermined speed andpreset time period are met, or if the vehicle's brakes are beingapplied, the method again enters the push back position block 206.However, if the decision block 216 does not meet the conditions of block214, the method determines if trailer movement exceeds preset ranges218. At decision block 220, push back block 206 is selected if thetrailer movement exceeds preset ranges, while the method returns toblock 202 if the trailer movement does not exceed preset ranges.

Turning now to FIG. 12, push back position block 206 is shown. Themethod 206 confirms that the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitchassembly 16 is in at least a partially retracted position at block 222.The method unlatches the latch mechanisms 20 a-20 d at block 224. Themethod moves the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly forwardfor a short predetermined period of time at block 226. The method thenmoves the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 backward atblock 228. At block 230, the method determines if the slidablyadjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 is at a fully extendedposition. A decision block 232 reengages the latch mechanisms 20 a-20 dif the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 is fullyextended. If the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 isnot fully extended, the method determines if a predetermined period oftime has been exceeded during the movement of slidably adjustable fifthwheel hitch assembly 16. A decision block 240 generates an errorcondition at block 238 if the predetermined period of time has beenexceeded, or returns to block 228 to continue to move the slidablyadjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly backward.

Turning to FIG. 13, pull forward position block 212 is depicted. Themethod 212 confirms that the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitchassembly 16 is in an extended position at block 242. The methodunlatches the latch mechanisms 20 a-20 d at block 244. The method movesthe slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 backward for ashort predetermined time at block 246. The method then moves theslidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 forward at block 248.The method determines if the trailer is within a predetermined distanceof the cab at block 250. A decision block 252 reengages the latchmechanisms 20 a-20 d if the trailer is within the predetermined distanceof the cab. If the trailer is not within the predetermined distance ofthe cab, the method determines if an axial load of the vehicle exceeds apredetermined threshold at block 256. A decision block 258 reengages thelatch mechanisms 20 a-20 d if the axial load of the vehicle exceeds thepredetermined threshold. If the axial load of the vehicle does notexceed the predetermined threshold, the method determines if apredetermined period of time has been exceeded at block 262. A decisionblock 264 generates an error condition at block 266 if the predeterminedtime has been exceeded, or returns to block 248.

It will be understood that a control system may be implemented inhardware to effectuate the method. The control system can be implementedwith any or a combination of the following technologies, which are eachwell known in the art: a discrete logic circuit(s) having logic gatesfor implementing logic functions upon data signals, an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC) having appropriate combinationallogic gates, a programmable gate array(s) (PGA), a field programmablegate array (FPGA), etc.

When the control system is implemented in software, it should be notedthat the control system can be stored on any computer readable mediumfor use by or in connection with any computer related system or method.In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” can be anymedium that can store, communicate, propagate, or transport the programfor use by or in connection with the instruction execution system,apparatus, or device. The computer readable medium can be, for example,but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical,electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device,or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) ofthe computer-readable medium would include the following: an electricalconnection (electronic) having one or more wires, a portable computerdiskette (magnetic), a random access memory (RAM) (electronic), aread-only memory (ROM) (electronic), an erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash memory) (electronic), an optical fiber(optical), and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM)(optical). The control system can be embodied in any computer-readablemedium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system,apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system,processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch theinstructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or deviceand execute the instructions.

1. A cylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitchassembly comprising: a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assemblyhaving a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position;a cylinder mount being disposed adjacent at least two sides of a firstframe cross member, the cylinder mount being laterally moveable alongthe first frame cross member; a hydraulic cylinder disposed between thecylinder mount and the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly,the hydraulic cylinder being attached to the cylinder mount and operableto move the fifth wheel hitch assembly between the first longitudinalposition and the second longitudinal position; a first longitudinalsupport being disposed between the cylinder mount and a second framecross member; and a second longitudinal support being disposed betweenthe cylinder mount and the second frame cross member.
 2. The cylindermount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the cylinder mount being disposed generally at alateral center of the first frame cross member.
 3. The cylinder mountassembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly of claim2, wherein the first longitudinal support connects to the second framecross member at a first end of the second frame cross member.
 4. Thecylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitchassembly of claim 3, wherein the second longitudinal support connects tothe second frame cross member at a second end of the second frame crossmember.
 5. The cylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifthwheel hitch assembly of claim 1, wherein the hydraulic cylinder impartsa longitudinal force on the cylinder mount.
 6. The cylinder mountassembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly of claim5, wherein the first longitudinal support and the second longitudinalsupport transfer the longitudinal force on the cylinder mount to thesecond frame cross member.
 7. The cylinder mount assembly for a slidablyadjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly of claim 6, further comprising afirst frame rail and a second frame rail, the second frame cross memberbeing connected to the first frame rail and the second frame rail, thefirst frame rail being disposed on the first end of the second framecross member, the second frame rail being disposed on the second end ofthe second frame cross member, wherein the second frame cross membertransfers the longitudinal force on the cylinder mount to the firstframe rail and the second frame rail.
 8. The cylinder mount assembly fora slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly of claim 1, wherein thehydraulic cylinder has a third position and a fourth positioncorresponding to the fifth wheel hitch assembly first longitudinalposition and second longitudinal position.
 9. A cylinder mount assemblyfor a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly comprising: a firstframe cross member being disposed between a first frame rail and asecond frame rail; a cylinder mount being disposed about a portion ofthe first frame cross member, the cylinder mount being laterallymoveable along the first frame cross member; a second frame cross memberfixedly coupled to and extending between the first frame rail and thesecond frame rail, the second frame rail cross member being disposed ata longitudinally rearward position relative to the first frame crossmember; a first longitudinal support being disposed between the cylindermount and the second frame cross member; and a second longitudinalsupport being disposed between the cylinder mount and the second framecross member; wherein the first longitudinal support and the secondlongitudinal support fixedly position the cylinder mount in alongitudinal direction relative to the first frame cross member.
 10. Thecylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitchassembly of claim 9, wherein the cylinder mount being disposed generallyat a lateral center of the first frame cross member.
 11. The cylindermount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly ofclaim 9, wherein the first longitudinal support connects to the secondframe cross member at a first end of the second frame cross member. 12.The cylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitchassembly of claim 11, wherein the second longitudinal support connectsto the second frame cross member at a second end of the second framecross member.
 13. The cylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustablefifth wheel hitch assembly of claim 12, wherein the first longitudinalsupport and the second longitudinal support transfer longitudinal forceson the cylinder mount to the second frame cross member.
 14. The cylindermount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly ofclaim 13, wherein the first frame rail being disposed on the first endof the second frame cross member, the second frame rail being disposedon the second end of the second frame cross member, and wherein thesecond frame cross member transfers the longitudinal forces on thecylinder mount to the first frame rail and the second frame rail. 15.The cylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitchassembly of claim 9, wherein the cylinder mount being disposed about atop side, a longitudinally rear side, and a bottom side of the firstframe cross member.
 16. The cylinder mount assembly for a slidablyadjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly of claim 9, wherein the cylindermount being disposed about a top side and a longitudinally rear of thefirst frame cross member.
 17. A cylinder mount assembly for a slidablyadjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly comprising: a cylinder mount beingdisposed about a portion of a first frame cross member, the cylindermount being disposed generally at a lateral center position of the firstframe cross member, the cylinder mount being laterally moveable alongthe first frame cross member; a first longitudinal support beingdisposed between the cylinder mount and a second frame cross member, thefirst longitudinal support being connected to the second frame crossmember near a first lateral end of the second frame cross member; and asecond longitudinal support being disposed between the cylinder mountand the second frame cross member, the second longitudinal support beingconnected to the second frame cross member near a second lateral end ofthe second frame cross member; wherein the first longitudinal supportand the second longitudinal support fixedly position the cylinder mountin a longitudinal direction relative to the first frame cross member.18. The cylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheelhitch assembly of claim 17, wherein the first longitudinal support andthe second longitudinal support transfer longitudinal forces on thecylinder mount to the second frame cross member.
 19. The cylinder mountassembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly of claim18, further comprising a first frame rail and a second frame rail, thesecond frame cross member being connected to the first frame rail andthe second frame rail, the first frame rail being disposed on the firstend of the second frame cross member, the second frame rail beingdisposed on the second end of the second frame cross member.
 20. Thecylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitchassembly of claim 19, wherein the second frame cross member transfersthe longitudinal forces on the cylinder mount to the first frame railand the second frame rail.